DO YOU THINK MRS OBAMA IS OUT OF LINE ON THE DOLL SITUATION OR IT'S THE TOY COMPANY?

I do wanna hear from you about the Beaniegate dollrama going on in the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama last night. Some have turned it into an all out war supporting her while others tell her to chill out that her kids are NO private citizens but PUBLIC EYED now. Read what people are saying at CNN.com

FIRST LADY OBAMA NOT HAPPY WITH SASHA AND MALIA DOLLS!

The creative folks who made Beanie Babies have created “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls. They may be cute, but the First Lady is ticked off about the dark-skinned dolls that bear the names of the Obama girls. Maybe they have gotten too creative this time.

"We believe it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes,"

her spokeswoman told Crain's Chicago Business.

Ty Inc. released the dolls this month just in time for the Inauguration. The 12-inch plush dolls are part of the company's TyGirlz Collection. Pigtailed Sasha is wearing a white and pink dress with hearts. Malia sports a side ponytail and a long-sleeve shirt with capri pants. Suggested retail price is $9.99.

A Ty representative told CNN the company generally avoids naming dolls for “any particular living individual,” because doing so might interfere with how kids use their imaginations to play with them. But they wouldn’t reveal the source of their inspiration for the new figures, telling CNN that information relating to the development of the company’s merchandise — including how it comes up with products, product names, and trademarks – is proprietary.

The manufacturer first admitted to Crain's that they were created with the First Daughters in mind, but later said they weren't created with anyone in mind. Is Mrs Obama overreacting? Are Malia and Sasha really "private citizens" like the Bush family?

–CNN White House Producer Becky Brittain contributed to this report.

'Marvelous Malia' and 'Sweet Sasha' dolls are not the Obama girls, Ty says.

Photo: Chicago Tribune handout by Ty

In one of the first apparent attempts to profit from the star power of the new First Daughters, Ty Inc., the Beanie Babies empire based in Westmont, has come out with Sasha and Malia dolls. Or has it?

Part of the company's Ty Girlz collection, "Marvelous Malia" and "Sweet Sasha" are plush dolls priced at $9.99 apiece. The dolls debuted this month in stores around the country, said Tania Lundeen, Ty senior vice president of sales.

On Monday, Lundeen said the company did not seek permission from the First Family to use the Obama sisters' images. Two days later, the Ty executive said the dolls were not even based on the Obama girls. Well they are right. These dolls don't look like the girls and look more like twins than sisters three years apart.

Source: Chicago Tribune

SASHA'S SMILE COULD BE A GUIDE FOR OUR FUTURE.

There are so many things that we could take away and remember forever regarding the inauguration of the first African-American president in the history of the United States, but I'll always remember the laughter of a little girl.

Shortly after President-elect Barack Obama finished the oath and became President Barack Obama, he joined hands with his family and waved to the cheering voices of 1.8 million people packed from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.

People cried, others hugged, celebrities and everyday folks snapped photos to capture the moment.

There really was an amazing energy that permeated the crowd as we all witnessed a barrier come tumbling down before our eyes.

But what stood out for me was a moment when President Obama looked down at his 7-year-old daughter, Sasha, and she said something to him, and then let out this huge laugh.

I don't know whether it was her statement or his response, but the bubbly child was having the time of her life. The sheer joy that was on her face as she grinned from ear to ear caused me to just start laughing as I watched her reaction. CNN's Roland Martin comments.....

TO ALL MOMS: CASTING CALL FOR A NEW REALITY SHOW ON THE SLICE NETWORK.

Are you a busy mom with a fabulous lifestyle? Do you insist on nothing but the best for you and your kids? Slice is looking for confident, outgoing, hip and glamorous moms to star in a new TV series. Call (416) 324-8537 (x336) or email info@redapple.com WE WANT TO MAKE YOU A STAR!!!

I'm running this flyer as a press release from Jen Bragg at Red Apple Production company. Ladies, it's time we become stars! Right? Let's try out. Are you kidding me? Must live in the Toronto/GTA area if possible. Click the flyer to enlarge.

BREAKING NEWS: CAROLINE KENNEDY BOWS OUT OF SENATE CONSIDERATION!!!

Caroline Kennedy, who was widely considered the front-runner to fill Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate seat for New York, has removed herself from consideration for that post, according to three Democratic sources. The 51-year-old daughter of President John F. Kennedy indicated her interest in filling the seat after Clinton was nominated to be U.S. secretary of state.

Multiple sources told CNN that, as of about 8 p.m. Wednesday, she had not yet informed New York Gov. David Paterson of her decision.

The 51-year-old daughter of President John F. Kennedy indicated her interest in filling the seat after Clinton was nominated to be U.S. secretary of state.

Clinton was sworn in to her new position after being confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.

Since President Obama selected Clinton for the post, virtually all of the buzz about her replacement centered around Kennedy. But as the weeks dragged on, polling showed her popularity among New Yorkers dwindling.

Kennedy's decision to bow out comes a day after her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, suffered a seizure at a luncheon after Obama's inauguration. Doctors said the seizure was triggered by fatigue. Sen. Kennedy, 76, was diagnosed with brain cancer last May.

Paterson has the power to appoint the replacement for the vacated seat, who then faces a special election in 2010 to fill out Clinton's term.

FAKE Exclusive Footage: Sasha and Malia's First Day of School

This video was done by a 23/6 video channel who mocks the Obama girls at the Sidwell friends school. Instead they show a class full of muslim girls (nothing wrong with them) with one even looking like Malia!!! This is a PARODY of sorts! I did not find it funny one bit!

BREAKING NEWS: SASHA AND MALIA'S DAD MR PRESIDENT HAS TAKEN THE OATH OF OFFICE AGAIN AFTER INAUGURAL MIXUP.

BREAKING NEWS: President Obama has retaken the oath of office after a mix-up during the inaugural ceremony, the White House says. LOL! I guess he wasn't President till this evening! WHOOPS!

SMILE! : HILLARY CLINTON SWORN IN AS SECRETARY OF STATE ON A 94-2 VOTE.

The Senate today approved the nomination of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state by a vote of 94-2. Speaking from the floor, Sen. John McCain urged a quick confirmation. About an hour after the vote, Clinton was sworn in during a private ceremony attended by her husband, former President Clinton. She also formally resigned from the Senate. Read the rest and find out which two Senators did NOT vote for her.

Source: CNN

READ BARBARA AND JENNA 'S LETTER OF ADVICE TO MALIA AND SASHA.

Photo by: Rick Wilking / Landov; Jim Young / Landov

In keeping with tradition, President Bush left President Barack Obama a note in the White House – and now his daughters have offered their own advice, in the form of an open letter, to Sasha, 7, and Malia Obama, 10.

Published in the Wall Street Journal Tuesday as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, Barbara and Jenna Bush reflect on their formative experiences in the White House – beginning as granddaughters to President George H.W. Bush.

"We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children," they write, acknowledging their then-7-year-old-perspective.

From that point of view, the women offer the new first daughters tips what to expect as they prepare for their new lives in Washington, D.C. Here is some of their advice:

• "Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history."

• "Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play."

• "Go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!"

Of course, the Bush daughters returned to Washington, D.C. at age 18 – this time as first daughters, when their father, George W. Bush, was elected president in 2000.

"As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel," they write. "We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists."

But despite the global perspective they gained, the Bush twins say their most important piece of advice involves their immediate family.

"Here is our most important piece of advice," they write. "Remember who your dad really is."

Read the entire letter – including the Bush daughter's thoughts about pets and where to go when they need a hug.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

DID YOU KNOW MICHELLE OBAMA GAVE LAURA BUSH A FAREWELL PRESENT?

In the morning, before having coffee at the White House, first lady Michelle Obama handed Laura Bush a present. Inside was a leather-bound journal inscribed with a quote from Louis L'Amour, writer of stories about the United States' Wild West past: "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." Also in the gift box was a pen engraved with Tuesday's date, for Mrs. Bush to begin her memoirs, according to Mrs. Obama's spokeswoman, Katie McCormick Lelyveld.

Source: MSNBC excerpts

SASHA AND MALIA TAKE THE DAY OFF SCHOOL TODAY!!

Don't you think? Really, if anyone should take school off today, it should be their dad. The White House School. All those activities yesterday!!! Plus 10 inaugural balls late into 1am. Congrats to everyone!! We just heard that Malia and Sasha are spending their first full day at the White House today. They were planning a sleep over last night with their pals at the White House but no telling if that happened. They will be back in school tommorow.

WANNA SEE ALL THE CELEBRITIES AT ALL THE BALLS MALIA AND SASHA MISSED?

As we could see last night, our fave White House girls Malia and Sasha had to hit the bed early with Grandma. As you know, there were almost 10 inaugural balls last night their parents attended. (Change has really come.) Check out this CNN slide of all the celebrities at the different balls.

THE VIDEOS OF SASHA AND MALIA'S PARENT'S FIRST DANCE.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD BALL FEATURING BEYONCE AND PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY OBAMA TAKING THEIR FIRST DANCE.

The Obamas were serenaded by Beyoncé during their first dance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night.

Beyoncé sang Etta James' "At Last," from her role in the movie "Cadillac Records" as the couple laughed and took their first spin around the dance floor.

Before the dance, Obama addressed the crowd, which erupted in applause when he entered the room.

"First of all, how good-looking is my wife?" Obama joked.

All eyes certainly were on Michelle Obama, who had kept her choice of a designer and dress style a secret until literally the moment she entered the dance floor.

The first lady was clad in a long white gown designed by up-and-coming designer Jason Wu. His design style combines modern lifestyle dressing and haute couture, according to his Web site. This young man grew up in Vancouver, Canada.

That dress and that dance was fab! Beyonce asked for the job and she got it! I even predicted it at my music blog! Some of these are my screen shots.

Source: CNN excerpts

Photos: AP, Keminications Media, Sandra Rose.com

WHO FUMBLED? OBAMA OR CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS?

It was old man John Roberts!!! Some of you may have thought Obama messed up on the presidential oath, but The Chief Justice of The Supreme Court, John Roberts, tripped him up. Read the story at the link. LOL!

THE LOVELY BUSH TWINS SAY GOODBYE!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenna and Barbara, the Bush twins seen here with Barb's hubby are all heading to Crawford, Texas. Gosh I will miss these gals. You know I am a black female republican? Three decades darling. Started with the Reagans!

Photos: AFP/Getty

THE SPEECH THAT SASHA AND MALIA'S DAD MADE AND MORE PICTURES.

Aretha sang at the Inauguration.

My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our for bearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.

Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.

We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do. Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more. Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.

They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.

With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate. Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old.

These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned.

The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].” America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. Thank you. God Bless You. And God Bless the United States of America.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SWORN IN: SASHA AND MALIA OFFICIALLY BECOME THE FIRST DAUGHTERS AND 1600 GIRLS!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, America has a new President. The 44th President and first black American President is President Barack Hussein Obama. As of this second, Malia and Sasha become the first kids! We sincerely wish the Bushes good luck and Barbara and Jenna as well. Now to the balls tonite! Stay tuned. They are off to lunch now but first see off the Bush family.

Photos: CNN.com

PICTURE OF THE DAY.........TIME FOR THE HANDOVER.....

The Bush family gets ready to hand over to the Obamas. This photo was taken by CNN 10.08am this morning.

SASHA AND MALIA'S PARENTS HEAD TO CHURCH ON INAUGURAL DAY.

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have started their Inauguration Day ceremonies, departing the presidential guest residence, Blair House, at 8:48 a.m. to go to St. John's Church for a prayer service. Thousands of supporters arrived in Washington before daylight in standing-room-only trains. As many as 2 million people are expected to crowd into Washington to watch as Obama takes the oath of office at noon as the nation's first black president. Malia and Sasha were not seen with them. More at CNN....

Obama's girls about to go into the fishbowl.

Barack Obama's daughters are moving into a house with a swimming pool, a bowling alley and its own movie theater.

When their father is inaugurated today on January 20, Malia Obama, 10, and Sasha Obama, 7, will also be moving into a place where they'll not only be under the watchful eye of the Secret Service but also under the eye of the media.

"One of the negatives of the White House is that its very much a fishbowl," presidential historian Doug Wead said.

"There's something that Sasha or Malia will say or do and they'll be remembered for it for the rest of their lives," said Wead, who wrote "All the Presidents' Children," a book on the lives of kids at the White House. CNN reports.......

Source: CNN

Kids' inaugural show draws top teen stars.

"People of all ages are paying attention. As teenagers get older, they are taking an interest in what is happening in their future."

Soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama visited the concert, along with Jill Biden, wife of Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and both spoke briefly to the cheering crowd.

Michelle Obama called on the young people to play a part in their country's future now, in activities such as volunteering at shelters for the homeless, visiting elderly neighbors or writing letters of support to troops overseas.

"We all have something incredible to contribute to the life of this nation," she said, adding, "And kids, this means you, too, right?"

Lovato, whose television series "Sonny With a Chance" debuts on the Disney Channel next month, starred opposite Joe Jonas in Disney's "Camp Rock" made-for-TV movie last year. Joe and his brothers -- best known as The Jonas Brothers -- also were scheduled to perform at the show, which was officially titled "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future."

Other young artists included Miley Cyrus and Bow Wow, while Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer and Usher were among the presenters to introduce them. Those who missed the show can view it later on Disney.com.

Source: CNN
Photos: AFP/Getty Images.

MALIA AND SASHA "TIRED" BUT STILL ENJOYING THE INAUGURAL CONCERT WITH THEIR PARENTS AFTER CHURCH SERVICES.

Photos by the AP

By now Malia and Sasha must be so exhausted by all the fanfare around them. At least they get to meet Beyonce their favorite star. Sasha Fierce meets Sasha Obama. LOL!

After 90 minutes of high-energy acts like U2, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Beyonce, President-elect Barack Obama addressed a roaring crowd.

"Welcome to this celebration of American renewal," he said.

"In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now."

"I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure," Obama said. "That it will prevail; that the dream of our founders will live on in our time."

Obama spent the morning visiting Arlington National Cemetery and attending church before heading to the "We are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration" at the Lincoln Memorial.

Source: Excerpts from CNN